MU prepares for NCAA infractions hearing today

The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The Missouri basketball program is preparing for a hearing Friday before the NCAA infractions committee on alleged rules violations.

The university is sending a dozen officials to the closed hearing at a Seattle hotel, including coach Quin Snyder, Athletic Director Mike Alden and the university system president, Elson Floyd.

It usually takes five to seven weeks for the committee to announce its decisions.

Snyder and two former assistant coaches are accused of various violations of NCAA bylaws, and the head coach is accused of failing "to maintain at all times an atmosphere of rules compliance." Snyder is mentioned by name in more than a dozen of the allegations, some including multiple rules violations.

Missouri self-reported some of the violations and doesn't plan to contest them. But the school is challenging several allegations, including that Tony Harvey, who resigned as Snyder's top assistant, paid ex-Tiger point guard Ricky Clemons $250.

The university and the attorney for Harvey -- who plans to attend the hearing -- say any accusations by Clemons aren't credible because he hasn't always been truthful. Clemons' attorney has said he stands by his allegations.

The alleged violations include multiple impermissable calls and contacts with prospects, and that Harvey provided impermissable meals to Amateur Athletic Union coaches.

The 10-member committee is comprised of seven officials from NCAA schools, including athletic directors and law professors, plus three private attorneys. Two of the attorneys are non-voting members.

Hearing procedures allow for opening statements from any institutions or individuals accused of breaking NCAA rules. It sets no time limits on discussion of allegations and allows all parties to present information. The hearings are tape recorded and a court reporter is present to make a transcript.